Firm Foundations

As we travel around to supporting churches, we are sharing about what God is doing in Peru.  The theme of our presentations is "Firm Foundations".  To endure time and the elements and support new construction, buildings must have strong foundations.  The same is true for churches and organizations.  For the last seven years we have been privileged to be co-workers with Peruvian pastors and leaders in ensuring that the foundations of the young Peruvian Free Methodist Church are strong.  Please check our speaking schedule (at right) to come hear us share stories about Peru and to see Becky and the girls dance a traditional folk dance in the colorful costumes seen in the photo.

On the Road and on the Farm

Our family left Peru on August 1.  We were exhausted from our preparations, and three out of four of us were suffering from the flu.  But God was faithful and gave us the grace to do what had to be done and to arrive safely in Buffalo.  From there we traveled an hour to JR's parents' home on the family farm in South Dayton, NY.  We had a week to recover physically, get the girls registered for school, unpack and repack.  August 10 we left for three days of debriefing at Free Methodist offices in Indianapolis.  From there we spent nine days with my mom, sister and her family visiting sights and the towns where we grew up in Illinois and Missouri.  After returning to New York, we spent a couple days in Pennsylvania with JR's family.  Then the girls started public school (8th and 3rd grades), and we started on the speaking circuit.

We're so thankful for the generosity and graciousness of many people who provided lodging, meals, and transportation at different points on our trip.  We're also thankful to school officials who arranged for both girls to have a friend in their class to help orient them to the school.  Please watch this space and my  Facebook account for updates on speaking engagements, photos, and prayer requests.

Ladies' Congress Lima 2013

Ladies' Congress Lima 2013, a set on Flickr.

"Women, God's Jewels" was the theme of the national ladies congress that took place this past weekend in Lima. Lucy Grullon, a pastor's wife and a leader in WMI (Women's Ministries International), came from Orlando, FL to be the main speaker. The ladies learned about seven crowns that are promised to believers in the Bible, made their own crowns, and found spiritual applications for the birthstones. I assisted with singing and activities. The whole family was involved in a choreography to close the event.

"Perfume a Tus Pies" Ladies Retreat

Tarma Ladies' Retreat May 2013, a set on Flickr.

When Ana left her native country of Bolivia to come to Tarma, Peru to visit family she was worried. Would there be a group of evangelical Christians in Tarma where she could worship like she did back home? Not long after arriving in Tarma she met Betty who was planning on attending an upcoming ladies' retreat at the Tarma Shalom Church. Would Ana like to go with her? Ana accompanied Betty, and realized that God's family is present in many countries and that He always provides for His children.

Ana, Betty, and many other ladies from several local churches attended a one-day event focused on the theme of "Perfume for His Feet". We learned about how our lives should give out a pleasant aroma that attracts others to Christ, and how we need to let Christ change our character when other disagreeable odors are more prominent.

Leaders' Retreat 2013

Leaders' Retreat 2013, a set on Flickr.

Our next visitors were Pastor Vern and Deb Saile from JR's home church in Gowanda, NY. They were the main speakers at a retreat for pastors and other church leaders and their spouses that took place in Lima April 18-20. We learned about families in ministry and taking time out for a Sabbath rest. I think the participants especially enjoyed conversing with like-minded people.

Afterwards the Sailes spent a week at our home in Tarma, getting to know local ministries and preaching at a couple churches. We look forward to our continued partnership with them and the Gowanda FM Church.

Karen's Visit

Karen's Visit, a set on Flickr.

April 8-16 we were pleased to host our friend Karen from Parma, NY. Karen has come on a couple of previous teams. This was her first solo visit. She shared equipment and continued her friendship with local firefighters. She also presented a first-aid class to youth in Huaricolca and met with some pastors to plan for a proposed future team from her home church. A highlight was a surprise visit to church from the Tarma firefighters.

Cusco youth conference

Cusco youth conference, a set on Flickr.

We were pleased to visit Cusco for the first time to participate in the 9th annual youth conference. JR shared how to study the Bible inductively. Marissa performed a dance. Becky was busy translating for SEED co-director Rose Brewer and product developer Rachel Peter as they met with local artisans. It was amazing to see ruins left from the days when Cusco was the capital for the mighty Incan Empire.